Sunscreen is great for the beach or any time you are out in the sun. It helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is made up of a combination of ingredients that work together to absorb or reflect the UV radiation, preventing it from penetrating the skin. The benefits of sunscreen are numerous, and it is widely recommended by dermatologists and other healthcare professionals.
Benefits of Sunscreen
Protection Against Skin Cancer
One of the most significant benefits of sunscreen is its ability to protect against skin cancer. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that can eventually lead to cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common cancer in the United States.
Wearing sunscreen when you are out in the sun can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Avoiding Premature Aging
The sun’s UV rays can also cause premature aging of the skin, including wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. This occurs when the UV rays penetrate the skin and damage the collagen and elastin fibers that keep the skin firm and smooth.
Sunburn Protection
Have you ever gotten a sunburn? If you have, you know sunburn can be a painful and unpleasant consequence of too much sun exposure. Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to too much UV radiation, causing the skin to become red, tender, and swollen. More importantly, it mayย have longer term effects, like increasing risks of skin cancer.
Using sunscreen can help prevent sunburn by blocking the UV radiation from penetrating the skin. The it is recommended by healthcare professionals to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. That blocks 97% of UVB rays, the type of UV radiation that causes sunburn.
In addition to using sunscreen, it is important to take other precautions to protect your skin from the sun, such as wearing protective clothing, wearing hats, seeking shade, and avoiding the sun during peak hours when UV radiation is the strongest.
Reduction of Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which patches of skin become darker than the surrounding skin. This can occur as a result of sun exposure, hormonal changes, or injury to the skin. Sunscreen can help reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation by preventing the UV radiation from triggering the production of melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color. By reducing the production of melanin, sunscreen can help even out the skin tone and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
The Two Main Types of Sunscreen
There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical sunscreen and physical (also known as mineral) sunscreen. Both types work by absorbing or reflecting UV radiation, but they do so in different ways.
Chemical sunscreen: Chemical sunscreen contains organic compounds that absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin. Chemical sunscreen is typically lightweight and easy to apply, and it often includes additional skincare ingredients such as antioxidants or moisturizers.
However, some people may experience skin irritation or allergies to the ingredients in chemical sunscreen. Additionally, some chemical sunscreen ingredients have been found to be harmful to coral reefs and marine life, leading to bans in certain areas.
Physical sunscreen: Physical sunscreen, also known as mineral sunscreen, contains natural minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that form a physical barrier on the skin’s surface to reflect UV radiation. Physical sunscreen is often recommended for people with sensitive skin or those who are allergic to the ingredients in chemical sunscreen. Physical sunscreen is considered by some to be better for the environment because it is more natural. However, it can be thicker and more difficult to apply than chemical sunscreen. It may also leave a white color on the skin, which can be noticeable.
Both types of sunscreen offer protection against UV radiation, and the best type for you may depend on your skin type and personal preferences. It is essential to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Additionally, it is crucial to apply sunscreen generously and regularly, especially when spending time outdoors.
Bad Sunscreen Ingredients
When shopping for a sunscreen, unfortunately you should be careful about the ingredients used. Some ingredients in sunscreen have been found to potentially be harmful for your health. Others may be harmful to the environment. Here are some ingredients to try to avoid:
Oxybenzone: Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in chemical sunscreens with SPF ratings over 51. They can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Additionally, it may harm coral reefs and some marine life, and in recent years some areas have banned it.
Octinoxate: Octinoxate is another chemical sunscreen ingredient that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Like oxybenzone, it has may be harmful to coral reefs and marine life.
Parabens: Parabens are preservatives used in many skincare products, including sunscreen. However, they have been linked to hormone disruption and have been found in breast cancer tumors. Many skincare products have been removing parabens from their ingredients.
Retinyl Palmitate: Retinyl palmitate is a form of vitamin A that is sometimes added to sunscreen to provide antioxidant benefits. However, some studies have shown that it can increase the risk of skin cancer when exposed to sunlight.
Fragrances: Fragrances are added to some sunscreens to improve the product’s smell. However, they also may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people.
So, read the label when choosing a sunscreen and avoid products that contain these ingredients that may be harmful. Some people prefer physical sunscreens that use ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Additionally, consider using mineral-based sunscreens that do not contain harmful chemicals and are safer for the environment.
How to Choose the SPF Rating in Your Sunscreen
When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to look for a product that offers sufficient protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. The most effective sunscreens are those that are labeled as “broad-spectrum” and have an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30.
The SPF rating measures the amount of UVB radiation that is blocked by the sunscreen. An SPF of 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while an SPF of 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays. Higher SPFs do not necessarily provide significantly more protection and may give users a false sense of security, leading them to stay in the sun for longer periods, mistakenly without reapplying. Sunscreen typically should be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Disadvantages of Sunscreen
While sunscreen is an great essential tool for protecting the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, there are also some potential disadvantages.
Bad Ingredients: Earlier in this article, we discussed some of the ingredients to avoid in your sunscreen selection: parabens, oxybenzone, Octinoxate: and Retinyl Palmitate are best avoided. They’re long words, but it is worth the time to read the labels!
Skin irritation and allergic reactions: Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to the ingredients in sunscreen, especially in chemical sunscreens.
Hormone disruption: Certain sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, may disrupt hormones in the body, which may have negative health effects.
Environmental impact: Some of the bad ingredients also can be harmful to coral reefs and marine life.
False sense of security: Some people may rely too heavily on sunscreen and not take other precautions to protect their skin from the sun, such as seeking shade and wearing protective clothing.
Despite these potential disadvantages, the benefits of using sunscreen to protect against skin cancer, premature aging, and other types of skin damage typically outweigh the risks.
Sunscreen provides numerous benefits that can help protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. By incorporating sunscreen into your regular outdoors routine, you can reduce the risk of skin cancer, prevent premature aging, protect against sunburn, and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. When choosing a sunscreen, be sure to select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it generously and regularly to all exposed skin.